15 Best Road Trips from Fukuoka Under 3 Hours: Beautiful Waterfalls, Volcano Adventures & More!

We’re not going to lie: the hotspots of Tokyo and Osaka are fantastic destinations, but boy are they crowded! If you’re looking for a more peaceful off-the-beaten-path experience, why not bookmark Fukuoka for your next trip? 

Fukuoka is the capital city, and one of the prefectures, of Japan’s southernmost island of Kyushu — and can be easily reached via direct flight from Singapore. The best part? Fukuoka Airport is only 10 minutes from the downtown area, making it really easy for you to get started on your adventure. 

The trains in Japan are unparalleled, but there are some places that, let’s admit it, are just so tricky to get to via public transportation. Get your rental car sorted with Klook, where you can take your pick from top companies like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar. Even better: should your plans change, you’ll even be able to cancel for free!

#KlookTip: Don’t forget to get an International Driver’s License in Singapore before you embark on your Japan road trip.

Witness Japan’s famous onsen culture at Beppu, a hot spring resort that’s reputed for its jigoku (“hells”). These hells refer to seven view-only hot springs, boasting bubbling pools that are coloured blue, grey, or red.

Bathing-wise, relax in hot water, mud, sand, or steam baths — before refuelling with a local “hell-steamed” delicacy such as the handmade Jigokumushi pudding. Make a whole day of it: enjoy a panoramic view from the Beppu Tower, and delve into the history of onsens at Jigoku Onsen Museum. 

#KlookTip: There’s free parking at all of the “hells” too. Great, huh! 

Located just 35 minutes from Beppu, Yufuin is framed by the majestic Mount Yufu’s twin peaks, and is home to many hot springs, ryokans, and a lovely shopping street lined with museums and cafés.

Don’t miss out on visiting Lake Kinrin too, which is known as “Golden Fish Scale Lake” due to its population of fish that make the waters look golden at sunset.

One of the easiest day trips from Fukuoka, Dazaifu was once Kyushu’s administrative centre for more than 500 years. Now, it’s known for the elaborate Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, which sprawls over a whopping 10 kilometres. Make your way through a street lined with stalls and shops to reach the shrine, which is also home to the Kyushu National Museum. 

#KlookTip: Visit between February to March, and feast your eyes on a stunning display of around 6,000 blooming plum trees. Plus, rent a kimono for some amazing photos whilst you’re at it! 

Believe it or not, but the scene of fairytale-like Takachiho Gorge is really in Japan. Feast your eyes on a stunning gorge made of volcanic basalt columns, complete with a 17-metre-high Minainotaki waterfall. Rent a boat to explore the gorge, or make your way along the paved path to a wooden observation deck for a bird’s eye view. 

#KlookTip: There are lots of ducks swimming in the gorge; feel free to buy some food at the boat station to feed them during your boat ride.

Kitakyushu is best known for the Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden, which sports two incredible 100-metre-long wisteria tunnels from mid/late April to early May. Otherwise, check out Kokura Castle, TOTO Toilet Museum, and the nostalgic Moji Port.

#KlookTip: Free parking is available near the wisteria garden’s entrance.

Did you know that Mount Aso is Japan’s largest active volcano? Make your way to Daikanbo, a viewpoint at the highest point of the caldera’s rim, for an amazing view; and refuel after with some Aso beef, which is heralded for its superb fat-meat ratio.

#KlookTip: Mount Aso might be closed on certain days due to the risk of volcanic activity, so it’s best to check before you make the trip. 

Located just about an hour from Mount Aso, Kurokawa Onsen is filled with many hot springs and ryokans. Nestled among mountains, it offers a pass where for 1,300yen (~S$11.60), you can unwind in the onsens of up to three different ryokans. Don’t miss out on trying the local delicacy of horse meat at restaurants, such as Ufufu, too. 

Kumamoto is a quaint castle town that revolves around the reconstructed Kumamoto Castle. Characterised by its striking black exterior, the castle sports sloping ramparts that were made to deter ninja attacks. Whilst in the city, take a stroll down the Shimotori shopping arcade; and visit Sakura-no-baba Johsaien, a recreation of an Edo-period town.

#KlookTip: Looking for a quieter sakura spot? Kumamoto Castle transforms into another world altogether come spring each year, when its 800 sakura trees come into bloom. 

Teleport to The Netherlands at Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park that hosts an annual spring tulip festival and summer fireworks competition. Take lots of photos with the tranquil canals and windmills; plus check out the haunted house, ferris wheel, mirror maze, and more.

Known worldwide as one of the cities that w

as bombed in World War II, Nagasaki is a port city that has heavy foreign influence. View its Western-style houses that have blended with Japanese culture at Glover Garden; learn about the city’s history at the Atomic Bomb Museum; savour Mount Inasa’s night view; and take a guided cruise to Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), an abandoned island. 

Immerse yourself in nature at Itoshima, a scenic resort town. Visit Anego-hama Beach, which has “singing sand” that squeaks when people walk on it — apparently, there are only around 20 such beaches in the whole of Japan!

Take a cruise to Keya Cave, Japan’s largest basalt cave; marvel at Shiraito Waterfall; and wish for a happy marriage at Sakurai Futamigaura, also known as the ‘couple rocks’. 

Colloquially called the ‘Venice of Kyushu’, Yanagawa has a 470-kilometre-long labyrinth of canals. Hop onto a cruise down the Yanagawa river under a canopy of weeping willows, which are punted by men wielding bamboo poles. Don’t leave without trying ‘unagi seiro mushi’, where eel, egg, and rice are steamed in a bamboo steamer. 

Head to Saga City in autumn for the mega Saga International Balloon Fiesta, where giant balloons of all shapes, colours, and sizes take to the skies. Fans of Zombie Land Saga will also recognise Saga from the anime, where many scenes were based on real-life locations. Foodies will love Saga beef, an exquisite wagyu beef that originates from Saga prefecture.

Motonosumi Inari Shrine is truly a sight to behold: it’s home to a staggering 123 red torii gates, which snake up a cliff against the backdrop of the Sea of Japan. Many travel to walk this path in search of good luck in the areas of travel, pregnancy, business, and fishing. On top of the shrine, take a short drive to the reflective Nagato rice fields and Higasho-ushirobata Rice Terrace. 

Another 30-minute drive from Motonosumi Inari Shrine will bring you to Tsunoshima Bridge, Japan’s second-longest bridge. Enjoy picturesque views from all directions as you drive across the bridge to Tsunoshima Island, where you can dig into some tasty locally-caught grilled squid by the beach.